Course
Description
This course addresses the geopolitical
dynamics surrounding the Korean peninsula from the perspective of international
relations. The aim of the course is that the students while focusing on the
Korean peninsula develop a basic understanding of the various ongoing conflicts
in East Asia (i.e. “New Cold War”) between the USA, China, Japan, Russia and
North and South Korea. In the beginning of the seminar we will make ourselves
acquainted with conceptual approaches to international relations in East Asia.
This is followed by a set of sessions in which we examine historical
developments around the Korean peninsula starting from the 19th
century working our way up to the division of the Korean peninsula (1945-48)
and the Korean War (1950-53). Against this backdrop we spend the remainder of
the semester with studying contemporary developments regarding the
international relations and conflicts between the two Koreas, the USA, Japan,
China and Russia. Meanwhile, a central focus is put on issues related to the
difficulties and possibilities of peace on the Korean peninsula and the East
Asian region.
Course
Structure
This semester is composed of 14 weeks (17.
Oct. 2023 – 02. Feb. 2024/ Weihnachtsfereien: 22.12.2023- 07.01.2024). Students
are expected to read the required reading materials on the schedule at home, to
send your questions, if you have, regarding contents that were not easily to
understand. In case of Aufbaumodule students, you are also expected to
summarize the required article at least once during the semester. If the COVID
situation will be getting worse, then it could be replace online lecture.
Grading
1. Aufbaumodule Students
1) Review of the article
2) Oral test (5 munites presentation +10 munites Q &A for presentation + 10 minutes Q&A for IR theories)
a. First half of the examination: Presentation
of a selected topic from the lecture and Q&A
b. Second half of the examination: Q&A about the lecture on
International Relations (Vorlesungs)
2. Wahlpflicht module Students
1 article summary & presentation
Attendance &
Participation